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It’s notoriously difficult to secure finance on property as an overseas investor. Following the recession, an influx of legislation has contrived to prevent borrowers and lenders from exposing themselves to risk, which means that even more experienced property investors find it increasingly challenging to identify who offers expat mortgages.

However, it certainly isn’t impossible. In tandem with these developments, we’re seeing a rise of disruptors looking to shake up the expat mortgage industry, with the aim of opening up the market to overseas investors. So: which UK banks offer expat mortgages? Read on for an insider view from our independent brokers.

Who offers expat mortgages?

When seeking finance for a property purchase, or to re-mortgage an existing property, you might look to the UK’s high street banks: Santander, HSBC, Nat West and so on. While it’s possible to secure a loan through these providers, it’s not entirely straightforward, especially since many have cut the number of products available.

Expat buy to let mortgages are subject to much stricter criteria than traditional mortgages, which can include your personal income, projected rental income, exchange rates, and other assets in your portfolio. Plus, the rates tend to be less favourable, the Loan to Value (LTV) limit lower, and deposits higher – especially if you’re going direct to the bank.

However, not all lenders take this stance towards expat borrowers. In response to trends in the expat mortgage market, there has been a surge of challenger banks and specialist lenders, such as Vida Homeloans and Aldermore Bank, who exist to meet the needs of borrowers that don’t suit a one-size-fits-all approach to mortgage finance.

How do I find the best expat mortgage?

As you can see, there are options out there for expats seeking finance. The trick is narrowing them down, and finding a lender whose criteria and rates are best suited to your circumstances. This is infinitely easier when you have a broker by your side, especially one that specialises in expat mortgages.

Many lenders won’t accept direct applications from expat borrowers, which is why it’s important to partner with a broker who has strong relationships with trusted, specialist banks and lenders. In doing so, you’ve got a much better chance of acceptance.

Liquid Expat Mortgages not only have access to the largest lender panel in the market; we also work closely with lenders to help them develop products tailored to expats. As a result, this gives us exclusive access to some mortgage products that aren’t available to other brokers or the general public, giving you more options and, ultimately, a better deal.

So, when exploring which UK banks offer expat mortgages, it’s important not to go it alone. Applying through a broker won’t just save you time and stress – it will also maximise your chances of getting a ‘yes’ from a lender that can leverage your finances.

The FCA does not regulate some investment mortgage contracts. Your home maybe repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any debt secured against it. Where the word "we" is used on this site it refers to one or any of the group of associated companies, Liquid Complete Ltd, Liquid Expat Mortgages, Liquid Expat and Complete Ltd.
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